Rutgers Football Looks to Rebound vs. Indiana

After stewing over their heartbreaking 14-13 loss to Nebraska the past two weeks, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are back in action on Saturday when they play host to Indiana at SHI Stadium. Kick-off is at 12 noon, and can be heard on Fox Sports New Jersey 93.5 FM - 1450 AM.

If there was ever a time to get back on track, this is a great opportunity to do so for Rutgers. 1) It's homecoming week, there will be a lot of alumni in the stadium and on campus this weekend. And 2) they take on a struggling Indiana team that they pulverized last year on the road 38-3.

Offensively, all eyes will be on interim offensive coordinator Nunzio Campanile, who takes over the reins from Sean Glesson who was fired after the Nebraska game.

Rutgers really struggled in the second half against Nebraska as Evan Simon turned it over three times, twice in the fourth quarter. According to Head Coach Greg Schiano, Rutgers will have all three of its quarterbacks healthy this week, meaning fans will see Gavin Wismet as well as Simon and veteran Noah Vedral this weekend.

There is a good chance Rutgers will give all three of them snaps in this game against Indiana.

RU must improve its efficiency down field, having completed only 54 percent of its passes thus far this year.

Rutgers also needs to re-establish itself on the ground with Samuel Brown V, Al-Shadee Salaam and Kyle Monangi leading the way. Rutgers ran for 115 yards as a team against Nebraska. Compare that to where they were early in the year when RU gashed Wagner for 328 on the ground in Week 2, and pounded the rock against Boston College in Week 1 to the tune of 212 yards.

Defensively Rutgers is one of the best in the nation, ranked 10th in total defense, and eighth in pass defense. Expect Rutgers to pin its proverbial ears back against an Indiana team that has struggled in its own right to move the football this year.

If Rutgers can create turnovers it will go a long way in determining a winner on Saturday.

Those attending Saturday's noon kick-off between Rutgers and Indiana should plan on arriving early, as the parking lots will open at 7 a.m. with the Boardwalk beginning at 8 a.m.

Homecoming also marks the Rutgers Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Sandra Petway (women's track & field coach), C. Vivian Stringer (women's basketball coach), Pat Willis (softball coach & women's basketball assistant coach) and Dr. Sam Crosby (wrestling & football) make up the class.